When Zainib and her husband, Mobeen, first started talking about trying for a baby back in 2016, they never imagined how long and winding their path to parenthood would be. Many will recognise Zainib and Mobeen from their time on BBC’s Race Across the World in 2023, where their strength and partnership shone through. But behind the cameras, they were quietly navigating a deeply personal journey — one that would eventually lead them to Care Fertility Manchester.
When Mobeen and I first started talking about trying for a baby, it was back in 2016. I naively assumed it would all happen naturally. I come from quite a large family, where everyone just seems to “pop out” kids without much trouble, so I thought it would be the same for me.
The first few months passed without anything happening, but I didn’t worry too much. I told myself, “It usually takes up to a year,” and carried on as normal. My partner, Mobeen, was fairly relaxed about it all, perhaps not as keen back then as I was, but he supported me because he knew how much it meant to me.
After about a year and a half, I started to lose heart. That’s when I decided to see my GP while we were still living in Scotland. We were referred for the standard fertility tests, but before things got too far, we moved to Manchester in 2017. The move meant starting everything over again: registering with a new GP, new referrals, and new appointments.
Eventually, we were referred to St. Mary’s, where we were told we’d be eligible for three NHS-funded IVF cycles. Our diagnosis was unexplained infertility. There were a few small findings, like a fibroid, but nothing that doctor’s thought was causing any real issues. Because there was no clear reason for why we weren’t conceiving, St. Mary’s recommended we go straight to IVF.
We did our first IVF cycle around 2018. Unfortunately, it wasn’t successful. The results weren’t great, and I remember feeling like the entire process was chaotic and stressful. The NHS staff were doing their best, but with long waiting lists and constant follow-ups, it all became overwhelming. After that first cycle, even though we technically had two more funded, I told Mobeen, “I’m done with IVF. I can’t go through that again.”
We decided to put everything on hold, and that pause lasted nearly five years.
During their five-year pause from IVF, Zainib and Mobeen took part in BBC’s Race Across the World, an experience that strengthened their bond and reminded them what they could achieve together.
During that time, we focused on our life together, healing emotionally and finding stability. But after a few years, something in me shifted. I started feeling broody again. By then, Mobeen was ready too, more than ready, actually. We had our own home, and we were in a much better place mentally and emotionally.
This time, I wanted to feel in control. I’d learned from our first experience that one of the hardest parts was not having that control. So, I told Mobeen that if we ever did IVF again, I wanted to go private. That way, we could choose our timeline, ask questions freely, and know exactly what was happening at each step.
After asking around, we heard really good things about Care Fertility Manchester. Friends had positive experiences there, and when I looked into their success rates and read patient stories, it just felt right. Everything seemed to point us in their direction.
In 2024, we finally started the process again. Around April or May, we began stimulation and egg retrieval. We ended up freezing three day-five blastocysts. Our first transfer was in September 2024, but sadly, that one didn’t work. We tried again in February 2025 with the remaining embryos, and this time, one took.
That was our miracle.
After years of uncertainty, heartbreak, and hope, I was finally pregnant. And now, I can happily say, I have my daughter.
Looking back, it’s been a long journey. The first attempt through the NHS was traumatic, and I honestly believed I’d never go through IVF again. But my experience at Care Fertility was completely different. The staff were kind, responsive, and supportive every step of the way. I always knew what was coming next, and that sense of calm and control made all the difference. I genuinely believe that my mental state, the peace I felt, played a huge role in our success.
If I could give advice to anyone considering IVF, it would be this: it’s okay to be scared. It never really feels like the “right time,” and it’s not an easy process. But you don’t have to face it alone, there’s so much support out there. Choose your provider carefully, find a team you trust, and don’t rush yourself.
On a practical note, for anyone nervous about the injections, what helped me most was using an ice pack to numb the area beforehand. It made the process almost painless. And honestly, I found that doing the injections myself gave me a sense of control. There’s a lot online about couples doing the injections together, making it all look very romantic, but for me, it was about focus and independence. Do whatever works for you.
One last thing I’d say is this: don’t let age scare you. When I was 27, IVF didn’t work. When I was 36, it did. People love to remind you about the “35 cliff,” but everyone’s body is different. Age is a factor, yes, but it’s not the full story. There’s always hope.
Now, when I look at my daughter, I know every moment, every delay, every setback, every tear, was worth it. Our journey wasn’t easy, but it made us stronger. And it brought us to her.
We’re so grateful to Zainib and Mobeen for sharing their story with us. Their experience highlights how important it is to feel informed, supported, and in control throughout your IVF journey.
At Care Fertility, we understand that every story is different. Whether you’re just starting out or thinking about trying again, our team will be here to guide you with care and expertise, making sure you feel seen, heard, and supported at every step.
If you’d like to learn more about IVF at Care Fertility Manchester, or explore treatment options tailored to you, our team is ready to help.